Ghost of The Gravel
📍 Water Valley, AB, Canada
gravel
Date
27 June 2026
Distance
118km
Elevation
2,075 m
Difficulty
gravelbeginner friendly
Eager Beaver Gravel
Ontario, Canada · 29 August 2026
Difficulty: 4/5 — Very hard
A challenging 100km and 40km gravel race in Canada, featuring significant climbing and varied, rough surfaces. This event promises a rowdy yet fun experience for riders looking to test their limits on non-paved roads.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 100km · 40km
- Surface
- gravel
- Typical W/kg
- 2.8–3.6
Rider fit
Who it's for
This race welcomes all cyclists, particularly encouraging women and those historically excluded from sport, fostering an inclusive and supportive atmosphere.
Who will struggle
Riders unprepared for significant climbing, rough gravel, and variable terrain on an unsupported course (outside aid stations) will find this race particularly difficult.
Training focus
Training should prioritize sustained climbing power, technical bike handling skills for rough gravel, and endurance for varied off-pavement conditions.
Are you ready for this race?
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
FAQs
What are the available race distances and their start times?+
The event offers a 100km gravel race starting at 11am and a 40km gravel race starting at noon on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
What kind of terrain and course conditions can riders expect?+
Riders can expect a course with lots of variety, including challenging roads, rough surfaces, and a good amount of climbing. The race is entirely sans pavement, focusing on different types of gravel.
Are there any specific rules about bike types, equipment, or external assistance?+
Aerobars are not allowed. Riders can use any safe bike type, including gravel, road, mountain, or fat bikes. Hand-ups and assistance from non-racers are strictly prohibited outside designated aid stations to maintain fairness and safety.
What amenities and services are provided to riders?+
Participants receive Olway Performance Drink on course, drop bag service to specific aid stations, a finisher pint glass, professional first aid, and an "over-marked" course with GPS tracks. Post-race, there's camping, a licensed beer garden, and vendor booths.
What is the policy regarding cancellations or refunds?+
There are no refunds for cancellations, regardless of the reason. If the event cannot proceed as planned, registrants will have their entry carried over to a rescheduled date or receive credit for another Substance Projects event.
How should riders navigate the course, and what about traffic laws?+
The course will have orange UCI-shaped arrows on a white background, and an 'X' to indicate missed turns, but these are not at every turn, so riders should pay attention or use a GPS. All roads are open, and participants must follow the Highway Traffic Act and all traffic laws; breaking them will result in disqualification.